General

Small, long haired, working dog of great beauty, free from cloddiness and coarseness. Outline symmetrical so that no part appears out of proportion to whole. Abundant coat, mane and frill, shapeliness of head and sweetness of expression combine to present the ideal.

Characteristics

Alert, gentle, intelligent, strong and active.

Temperament

Affectionate and responsive to his owner, reserved towards strangers, never nervous.

History

Sometime around 900 A.D., the islands off the coast of Scotland were colonied by Norse people who brought with them the ancestors of the Shetland Sheepdog. These ancestors were Spitz-type dogs, probably similar in type to today's Iceland Dog and the Swedish Vallhund. Over time, the Shetland islanders developed a small, highly intelligent dog, capable of herding with little or no supervision. The island's harsh climate required a hardy, small dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat. In the 15th century, Shetland became part of Scotland and began importing sheep from the mainland. The Scottish Collie, then slightly smaller than today's breed, was crossed with the Shetland dogs to give the island breed a more distinct Collie-like appearance. Today, the Shetland Sheepdog is a popular companion and working dog, excelling at all events requiring intelligence and agility.

Origin

Scotland

Utilization

Herding, sport (agility)

Size

Medium

Height

Dogs 37 cm (14.½ ins) at withers. Bitches 35.5 cm (14 ins) at withers.

Grooming

Moderate

Excercise

Moderate

Activity

High

Life span

14 – 18 yrs

Litter size

 4 – 6 (on Average)

Good with children

Yes

Good with dogs

Yes

Good with other pets

Yes